Why skincare is my short cut to happiness

If, like me, you search daily for the latest skincare products, get a rush of excitement every time you try the new ‘it’ serum and love the prospect of having a healthy, scientifically enhanced complexion for the rest of your days, you might be interested in the rest of this article. Skincare makes me happy for several reasons; firstly, for giving confidence – hell hath no fury like a woman on a bad skin day! It’s surprising, or perhaps not, how much one’s courage depends on how many blemishes they have. Then there’s the science – what’s better than educating yourself on AHAs and preserving your skin at the same time?! Of course, the list goes on, but ultimately what I’m trying to say is, skincare brings me a great deal of joy and has become a full-time hobby, sitting nicely next to my full-time job as a Publicist at Yellow Kite.

This brings me to why I’m writing this piece, to celebrate Short Cuts to Happiness by Tal Ben-Shahar: a book full of charming and inspirational methods of happiness (particularly the pearls of wisdom you can learn from your hairdresser!).

So here it goes; the three products you can take on the world with:

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

The BEST cleanser ever! Never have I ever experienced such a gentle yet effective cleanser. A deep cleanse that doesn’t dry your skin to the point that it feels like cracked china. It does what it says on the bottle and melts into your skin in the most divine and beyond satisfactory way, with rose and chamomile hues. This soothing formula really does leave you looking and feeling radiant. In fact, since using it, I haven’t experienced one skin malfunction, not one! And that’s something to brag about. (If wearing make-up, I’d advise using Garnier Micellar Water first for the double-cleanse).

Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum

Give me that glow! Tata Harper never fails to do what needs to be done and her latest product is no exception. The Resurfacing Serum glides on to your skin, sinking in perfectly and smelling like a botanical utopia. Ridding yourself of dead skin cells using a special combination of AHAs and BHAs, containing 100% naturally sourced ingredients (from her farm in Vermont!) and luxuriating your skin with all the moisture it could possibly need, this natural serum gives you the best science and that is all you need to know. In summer, I don’t use a moisturiser on top, the Resurfacing Serum does the job on its own.

Ultrasun Face Anti-Age SPF 30

No matter the weather, SPF is crucial, protecting you from those skin damaging and ageing UVA / UVB rays. Always wear SPF 30! And not in your everyday moisturiser, buy a separate product. When mixed with other ingredients in moisturiser, it detracts from the job of the SPF – better to buy a pure SPF and use on top. Ultrasun has perfected the formula – SPF no longer has to be gloopy, greasy, spot-inducing nastiness. This one is brilliant and has protected my skin to no end this hot summer and will continue to do so in the coming cold winter months – it’s full of antioxidants and oil-free – perfect for those of us with sensitive skin.